The Hidden Problem with Shower Filters: Why Flushing Your Pipes Is Better Than a Shower Filter
For years, I thought using a shower filter was the key to softer skin, healthier hair, and cleaner water. Living in New York, the water is chlorinated. But I always try to upgrade where I can when it comes to my skin. So, I used an Aqua Bliss shower filter for three years. At first, it seemed to work, but I started noticing my skin getting drier, to the point where I was constantly applying lotion to alleviate the itchiness. I couldn’t understand why this was happening. I had a filter, and I was using Jergen’s lotion, which should have kept my skin moisturized. It made me wonder if menopause was the cause of the skin changes.
Aqua Bliss recommends replacing your filter every three months, which is based on average household use. But as a single person, I don’t use my shower as often as a family would. So, while I was following the recommendation, I started backwashing the filter once a month to keep it clean, before replacing it every 3 months. Even so, after backwashing after one month, I was shocked at how much dirt and buildup still came out. That’s when it dawned on me—my filter wasn’t just catching contaminants, it was also trapping bacteria, which was possibly making things worse. That’s when I realized that the real issue wasn’t the water itself, but the way water moves through the pipes in older buildings like mine. Instead of relying on a filter, I found that flushing the pipes regularly, cleaning my showerhead, and using high-pressure water worked far better.
Why Shower Filters Might Be Making Your Water Worse
1. Biofilm Buildup Happens Fast
From the moment water flows through a filter, bacteria and mold start colonizing its damp interior. When I first backwashed mine, I was horrified at the dirt that came out after one month. That’s biofilm—a layer of bacteria that builds up over time, contaminating the very water I thought I was purifying.
2. Filters Can Trap and Release Bacteria
After removing my filter, I started researching how these things actually work. What I found was disturbing—an old or clogged filter doesn’t just stop working; it starts storing bacteria and releasing them back into the shower. If not changed frequently enough (and let’s be honest, most of people don’t change them as often as the manufacture says they should), they become the perfect breeding ground for microbes that thrive in warm, damp environments.
3. Reduced Water Pressure Encourages Bacterial Growth
One of the first things I noticed when I ditched my shower filter? My water pressure improved dramatically. Filters slow down the flow, and that reduced pressure actually encourages bacterial growth inside pipes and showerheads. The more I thought about it, the more I realized that the real issue wasn’t just my filter—it was the entire plumbing system.
4. Old Building Pipes Undermine Filtration
Living in New York, I’ve had my fair share of experiences with old apartment buildings. The pipes in these buildings have been there for decades—sometimes even a century. By the time water reaches my shower, it has traveled through miles of aging pipes, picking up biofilm, rust, and mineral deposits along the way.
At that point, what is a little filter really going to do? Even with a fresh one, the water is already exposed to contaminants before it ever reaches my shower. That’s when I realized:
- My filter might not be stopping much at all.
- A clogged filter could be concentrating contaminants instead of removing them.
- The real problem was my building’s plumbing, not just the water source. But what can you do?
The Better Solution: Flushing Your Pipes
Instead of relying on a filter that traps bacteria, I started flushing my pipes regularly. And it worked.
How to Flush Your Pipes for a Cleaner Shower
1. Remove Your Shower Filter and Showerhead Weekly for a Deep Flush
I started by removing my shower filter entirely. I also take off my showerhead at least once a week with cold water and let high-pressure water run freely for 20 min. This helps:
- Flush out built-up biofilm and bacteria.
- Clear out stagnant water.
- Improve water pressure, reducing bacterial growth inside pipes.
2. Use High-Pressure Cold Water Daily for a Quick Flush
I found that blasting cold water at full pressure is one of the best ways to flush out contaminants. Here’s what I do:
- Turn the shower on full blast with cold water (hot water can loosen biofilm, but also cause more damage to the pipes).
- Let the water run for 2–5 minutes without the showerhead attached.
- If accessible, use a brush or cloth to clean out visible buildup.
3. Deep-Clean Your Showerhead Weekly
Even without a filter, my showerhead was still collecting bacteria, mold, and mineral deposits. To prevent this:
- I soak it in ozonated water (best option) or a bleach-water solution.
- Scrub with a brush to remove residue.
- Rinse thoroughly before reattaching.
4. Finish with a Hot Water Flush
After a cold flush, I turn the water to its highest heat setting and let it run for about 3 minutes. This loosens up any remaining biofilm and kills bacteria that thrive in lukewarm, stagnant water.
The Problem with Chlorine and Shower Water
How Chlorine Affects Your Skin and Hair
New York’s tap water is chlorinated, which is great for killing bacteria—but terrible for my skin and hair. After years of dealing with dryness and irritation, I learned that chlorine:
- Strips natural oils, leading to dryness and irritation.
- Can exacerbate eczema, psoriasis, and other skin conditions.
- Causes hair to become brittle and dull over time.
Why Shower Filters Aren’t the Best Solution for Chlorine
At first, I thought my shower filter would help with the chlorine issue, but the more I researched, the more I realized it wasn’t a perfect solution. Filters don’t always work as well as advertised—especially if they aren’t changed frequently. Instead of relying on a filter, I now:
- Use ozonated water for final rinses to neutralize chlorine without bacteria buildup.
- Apply this vitamin C spray before showering, since vitamin C neutralizes chlorine naturally.
Why Flushing Works Better Than Filtering
- No Stagnant Contaminants: A shower filter traps bacteria inside, while flushing removes them completely.
- Better Water Pressure = Less Biofilm: High-pressure, free-flowing water prevents bacterial growth, while a filter slows it down, creating ideal conditions for contamination.
- No Costly Replacements: Filters require constant replacement, whereas flushing requires only regular maintenance.
Alternative to Shower Filters: Ozonated Water and Boiling Water
If you want to clean your drinking water and your bathwater more thoroughly, using this ozone generator is an excellent option. Though I don't use my ozone generator in my bathroom (since I prefer showers over baths), I still recognize the incredible benefits of ozonated water for anyone who enjoys baths. Here’s how you can use it:
- For Drinking Water: I use an ozone generator in my kitchen to clean my drinking water regularly. Ozonated water helps neutralize contaminants and purifies the water.
- For Baths: If you're someone who loves baths, running your ozone generator in your bathtub for about 30 minutes before you soak is a healthy and cleansing option. Ozonated water detoxifies the skin and offers an excellent alternative to shower filters.
While I prefer showers, this method of purifying bathwater with an ozone generator is a great solution for anyone who enjoys a relaxing bath. The added benefit is that the ozonated water helps detoxify your skin as well.
Final Thoughts: Should You Use a Shower Filter?
After my experience, I don’t use shower filters anymore. In some cases, they may help, but in buildings with aging pipes, they often do more harm than good. Instead of trapping bacteria inside a filter, I focus on:
✅ Flushing my pipes weekly with high-pressure cold water.
✅ Deep-cleaning my showerhead with ozonated water or a bleach solution.
✅ Using high-pressure water to remove contaminants naturally.
✅ For bath lovers, running this ozone generator for 30 minutes in your tub for clean, detoxifying bathwater.
Since making these changes, my showers feel cleaner, fresher, and my Jergens lotion works all day with just one application. If you’re still relying on a shower filter, consider trying th